Second Hand Vauxhall Vectra Bonnet Strut

The Vauxhall Vectra does use gas-filled bonnet struts to hold the bonnet open, so you are looking for the right part. There are typically two struts, one on each side (NS and OS), and they are a common wear item on older examples. If yours has collapsed and the bonnet no longer stays up on its own, a used strut from a breaker is a straightforward and cost-effective fix.

The Vectra ran in two main generations relevant to most buyers: the B (approximately 1995–2002) and the C (approximately 2002–2008), with the C receiving a facelift around 2005 that updated the front-end styling including the bonnet, grille and lights. Because the bonnet strut mounts to the bonnet and the inner wing, you need to match the correct generation — a Vectra B strut will not fit a Vectra C. Within each generation, confirm with the breaker against your registration whether the pre-facelift or post-facelift bonnet affects the strut mounting points.

Both a 2004 and a 2006 Vectra C fall within the same C-generation platform, but 2005 marks the facelift boundary where front-end panels including the bonnet were revised. Because the strut attaches to the bonnet itself, crossing that 2005 facelift boundary is the key risk here — confirm with the breaker against both registrations before buying, as the mounting geometry may differ between pre- and post-facelift bonnets.

Trim level does not affect bonnet strut fitment on the Vectra — the bonnet and its struts are shared across the range within a given generation and facelift period, regardless of whether the car is an LS, Elegance, SRi, or any other trim. The engine under the bonnet (including diesel CDTi variants) also makes no difference to the strut itself. Simply match the generation and check the facelift period with your breaker.

No — on the Vectra C, the bonnet and its struts are shared across the hatchback, saloon, and estate body styles, as the front end is common to all variants within the generation. You do not need to specify body style when sourcing a strut, though you should still confirm the facelift period with the breaker. Focus on getting the generation and facelift cut-off right rather than worrying about which body style the donor car was.

Vectras have one bonnet strut on each side, and if one has failed it is generally good practice to replace both at the same time, as the other is likely of similar age and condition. A breaker will usually be able to supply a pair from the same donor vehicle, which helps ensure consistent performance. When you contact a breaker, quote your registration so they can confirm the correct generation and facelift variant and supply a matched pair.